December 10, 2007

The Truth About Barefoot Boom Construction

If you are new to water skiing, you may not know what a barefoot boom is. But if you have ever been frustrated with trying to learn to get up on combo skis, a slalom ski, a kneeboard, or even on your bare feet, then you will want to listen closely. A barefoot boom could be your next purchase.

The Barefoot boom was invented as a device to help skiers learn to barefoot water ski not long after barefooting was invented, but it has been difficult to tell who was the first to use it since so many home made versions have been made. In 1983, Mike Seiple began manufacturing booms as his trademark way of getting people to learn to barefoot water ski.

Since then, many different companies have been making barefoot booms. This is your opportunity to become an armchair expert and get the insider information about barefoot booms that many companies do not want you to know. Booms are not created equal and I will attempt to tell you what you need to look for and what myths to avoid.

Myth number 1: The lighter the boom, the better it is because it is easier to set-up and take down.

Truth about boom weight: FALSE. Boom weight is determined by the construction. Lighter booms are constructed with hollow cores. What you want to look for is solid aircraft aluminum construction. Barefoot booms are subjected to a tremendous amount of pressure when used for teaching. The most important consideration for booms is safety and nothing short of a solid boom is acceptable.

Myth number 2: one cable connected to the bow is better than two.

Truth about boom cables: FALSE. Safety, safety, safety. I have tested every boom on the market. When a boom cable breaks because of construction, it is a terrifying moment whether a skier is attached or not. Two cables provide maximum security and safety.

Myth number 3: quick release boom clamps are better because the boom height can be adjusted with greater ease.

Truth about boom clamps: FALSE. After testing every boom clamp on the market, the quick release clamp takes about 30 seconds to adjust while reinforced boom clamp takes about 15 seconds longer. My findings showed that after hundreds of adjustments, the flexing of the quick release clamp caused it to weaken. On the other hand, the reinforced boom clamp provides the surest connection with the ski pylon with no deterioration over time.

By far the biggest consideration in a barefoot boom is safety. By getting the best barefoot boom you can find, you can then concentrate on learning and teaching others to ski. Barefoot booms are now being used to teach children and adults alike to kneeboard, combo ski, wakeboard, slalom, and barefoot. If you get the right boom, it will last forever and you will become the go-to-guy for learning on your lake.